Is balance exercise training as effective as aerobic exercise training in fibromyalgia syndrome?

Abstract

The aim was to compare the effect of aerobic and balance exercises on pain severity, myalgic score, quality of life, exercise capacity and balance in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). A total of 33 females diagnosed with FMS by the American College of Rheumatology criteria were recruited in this randomised controlled study and allocated to aerobic exercise (AE) or balance exercise (BE) groups. Exercises were performed three times a week, for 6 weeks on a treadmill or with a Tetrax interactive balance system (TIBS). Outcome measures were characterised by myalgic score, visual analogue scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), exercise testing, Timed Up-Go (TUG) and TIBS measurements. Comparisons from baseline to 6 weeks were evaluated using Wilcoxon test. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare differences between groups. Effect sizes were also calculated. Improvements in pain, myalgic score and FIQ were found in both groups (p < 0.05). While comparing groups, myalgic score was significant (p = 0.02, d = -1.77), the value was higher in AE. Exercise duration, Borg scale, resting blood pressures (RBP) and maximal heart rate were significant in AE. In BE, Borg scale, exercise duration was significant (p < 0.05). While comparing groups, diastolic RBP (p = 0.04, d = -0.92), exercise duration (p = 0.00, d = -1.64) were significant, with higher values in AE. TUG significantly changed in groups (p < 0.05, d ≥ -1.22). Stability scores, eyes open while standing on elastic pads (p = 0.00, d = -0.98) and head back (p = 0.03, d = -0.74), were significant, with higher values in BE. This study showed that BE provided some improvements in FMS, but AE training led to greater gains. BE training should be included in comprehensive programs.

Exergames for women with fibromyalgia: a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effects on mobility skills, balance and fear of falling

“…However, the effect size ranges from small to large depending on the type of exercise and the outcome measure used (Bidonde et al, 2014b). Although therapies based on whole body vibration (Adsuar et al, 2012), aquatic training (Tomas-Carus et al, 2009), or balance exercise training (Duruturk, Tuzun & Culhaoglu, 2015) effectively improve static and dynamic balance in women with FM, adherence to these exercise-based interventions is frequently poor (Oliver & Cronan, 2002); therefore, more motivating and enjoyable alternatives are required (Mortensen et al, 2015). …”

Ab1378-Hpr effect of Clinical Characteristics, Habits, Physical Activity Levels and Functional Capacity on Quality of Life in Systemic Sclerosis Patients

“…1 However, available self-injection devices vary in terms of ease of use and level of operational dexterity required. Objectives: This pilot study compared patient satisfaction with use of a methotrexate pre-filled, button-free, auto-injector pen (Nordic Pharma, UK) for subcutaneous injection with previous use of a button-activated pen device following the option to self-train via video.…”

“…Background: In patients with Systemic sclerosis (SSc), many factors such as inactivity, smoking, gastrointestinal system involvement are reported to have an adverse effect on overall health related quality of life, and quality of life is in line with the prognosis of the disease (1,2). Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of clinical characteristics, habits, physical activity levels and functional capacity of patients with SSc on quality of life.…”

Peer Review #2 of "Exergames for women with fibromyalgia: a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effects on mobility skills, balance and fear of falling (v0.2)"

“…Manuscript to be reviewed 2009), or balance exercise training (Duruturk, Tuzun, & Culhaoglu, 2015) effectively improve static and dynamic balance in women with FM, adherence to these exercise-based interventions is frequently poor (Oliver & Cronan, 2002); therefore, more motivating and enjoyable alternatives are required (Mortensen, Kristensen, Brooks, & Brooks, 2015).…”